Jean L. Tyska

Jean L. Tyska, 94 passed away peacefully at home in DeKalb, Illinois on Monday, May 17th, 2021 surrounded in much love by family and friends. Jean was born November 9th, 1926 in Chicago to Madalin and James Arthur Lyons.  She lived off the 10th fairway of Midlothian Country Club (Illinois) where she developed her talent and love for golf. She also resided in Beverly Hills (Illinois) and spent a few winters in Delray Beach (Florida).  She so loved spending summers waterskiing, boating, fishing, and growing up at the family's summer home in the Northwoods of Minocqua, Wisconsin. Jean graduated from Carleton College with a degree in Foreign Language and English.  She earned a Masters Degree in Spanish and French from the University of Iowa.  She taught Spanish, English, and French at Luther South High School (Chicago) and at Carl Sandburg High School (Orland Park, Illinois). Jean met Richard (Dick) Tyska, thanks to Jean’s brother Jim, in Beverly Hills, Illinois and they were married on September 24th, 1960.  They settled in Oakbrook (Illinois) and then moved to Hinsdale where they enjoyed family life for almost 40 years continuing a lifelong romance of love, laughter, support, and respect.  Most summers were spent in Minocqua (Wisconsin) on Squirrel Lake tuning into Cubs games whenever they could and winters off the fairway at The Plantation in Venice (Florida). Jean and Dick enjoyed their passion for golf at Midlothian Country Club (Illinois); Minocqua Country Club (Wisconsin) and The Plantation (Venice, Florida).  Jean was devoted to the Chicago Women's District Golf Association for over a decade serving as President from 1985-87 and on the Board of Directors.  She was a part of a hardworking core of women that pioneered hands-on golf course rating initiatives, walking every step of each golf course. Jean and Dick moved from Hinsdale to DeKalb, Illinois in 2002 to be closer to their daughter and Coach Pam.  They supported the NIU Huskies Women's Golf Team in person both in DeKalb and during spring travels in Florida.  Jean, with bowl-stirring help from Dick, would make homemade brownies for entire tournament fields which became much beloved among players and coaches. Jean, Dick, and Pam were blessed to share many adventures together, traveling to US golf destinations and beyond for many years.  There was complete joy in sharing adventures of Florida travels and Squirrel Lake escapades from glorious sunrises to breathtaking sunset pontoon cruises and sometimes, unintentionally wild fireworks off the dock for the 4th of July.  Their blessed family life was filled with laughter, love, humor, kindness, an abundance of happiness, and Jean's contagious smile, treasured by family and friends.  Family visits were much enjoyed and so many close friends became like family throughout the years. Jean and family were so blessed to have such loving and devoted caregivers- Tricia, Tracy (Daisy, Mr. Handsome, Silly Willy, and Nosey-Aaron too) and Tia from the wonderful group at Home Instead; Cindy, Sherrie, and Linda from Journeycare; Tamara from DMJ and Dr. Cathy Ruetten, Nurse Renata and Elaine Lawrence, APRN- skilled medical professionals, but kind healers from Edwards Medical/Sycamore. Jean is survived by her beloved daughter and lifelong friend Pam Tyska (Barb Beck); nieces, Terri Daley and her children Kyle and Ariana; Diane Lyons-Mihok (Ed); nephew James Lyons (Sherrie) and their sons Scott and Chris Lyons (Becky).  Granddaughter Annie Severson (Ryan) and Great Granddaughter Peyton and much-treasured family friends Pommy Macfarlane (thanks for Mr. Bruce’s visits) and Lynnae Rinne. Jean was preceded in death by her forever loved husband Richard (Dick) Tyska, her parents, and brother James Lyons. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 29, 2021, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb with Rev. Stephen Chang officiating. To view the service virtually please go to the following link.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85274259810?pwd=TjF6Zm56U3J3VHM1NXM1OVk1anZxZz09

Meeting ID: 852 7425 9810
Passcode: 243172

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 29, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Tyska Family Memorial Project in memory of Jean, in care of Anderson Funeral Home, Ltd., P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

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